Jesus has completed the journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary. The mission is completed. He has drunk the cup that He had prayed about in the Garden. He has done everything the Father asked of Him. He has resisted every temptation of the evil one. He has lived His life without a single sin. He has fulfilled what John the Baptist said of Him: "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29b). Jesus has experienced and fulfilled the prophecy given in Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12.
Those who cared for the body of Jesus continued the journey for Him from the cross to the garden tomb. Their preparation of the body was according to Jewish custom. Their expectation was that this body of the one they respected and admired so much would be in the grave for a very long time. They cannot be faulted for their assumption about death and its hold on their Jesus.
There are some this day who have great respect for Jesus, who admire and love Him, and who would be willing to give Him the best funeral possible. They, too, expect that His body will remain in the grave a very long time.
Jesus' followers would come to know differently. They would come to understand that His resurrection on the third day would be the assurance that everything had been done for their salvation. They would come to understand that His resurrection was the assurance that salvation had been won for them-and for the world.
THE PRAYER: Bless, O Lord, all those who are willing to honor Jesus in His burial that they may also eagerly anticipate the celebration of His resurrection.
|
